Regional Center – Doogri Institute

Who we are:

Our research is conducted in affiliation with the Doogri Institute, a non-profit founded by autistic people in service of autistic people. We specifically investigate consumer data to find patterns of abuse, neglect, and racketeering. If you have been disadvantaged with a case closure, we want to know what the ‘excuse’ was.

Overall, we have currently found that “noncompliance” is the top reason, “inappropriate language” or “grooming” as secondary, and the third most cited excuse in a case closure is a failure of the consumer to submit paperwork in accordance with program rules.

Yes, I want to participate!

To participate in this California-based study, we will require an email from you that shares your case closure report. No worries — this form will send us an email with your upload.

We will extract the ‘excuse’ in our reply to your email.

Then, you will confirm that this is the data that you are submitting for our study.

Only then will your data be de-identified, and included in a database that blinds your information from the investigator(s) reviewing the database.

Please begin by uploading your confidential case closure report, and await a reply from info@doogri.org. Thank you for your help in cracking down on systemic failures of publicly funded programs. There is no compensation for your participation.

“I am a great example as being Independent living adult” ~ Gabriella Ledesma

Congratulations on attending your Self-Determination Orientation. The California governor approved $10.5 billion ($6.5 billion General Fund) for the Department and estimates that approximately 386,753 individuals will receive developmental services by the end of 2021-22.

In October 2013, California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 468 into law creating a statewide Self-Determination Program that offers regional center consumers a voluntary alternative to the traditional system and more control over the services they receive and the individuals who support them. Starting July 1, 2021, all consumers can switch to Self Determination.

..but wait… For current regional center consumers, the budget will equal 100% of the amount of the total purchase of service expenditures made by the regional center during the past 12 months.

…um, so…If your case manager or regional center supervisor says that they are still (1) unsure and (2) “waiting to find out funding availability” and (3) not providing clear instructions, please write to us now. info@doogri.org

Here’s what is supposed to happen next for you.

We learned about an IF (Independent Facilitator). We asked if a consumer can get the $2,500 from the budget if they complete the work. According to district managers, you cannot pay yourself, and you have to pay others; there is no mention in the State order (Dec 2018) about this ad hoc prohibition.

We are looking into training our autistic clients to have job opportunities by becoming an IF for their peers! Stay tuned.

IF – Independent Facilitator

An IF is not required for your next step, but recommended. Their role is to sit in meetings with your R.C. team. They are supposed to negotiate rates and service codes for your budget. They can advocate for you to get the best possible budget based on what you know you need. If you expect your service coordinator to be sluggish, non-responsive, or cruel with their service agreement rate disclosures, then an IF is a good idea for you!

FMS – Financial Management Service

Informationfrom: https://www.sdrc.org/sdp

A Financial Management Service (FMS) is the only required service for participants in Self-Determination. You can find a list of the FMS agencies that San Diego Regional Center partners with here.

about 10 companies listed, check out the negative yelp reviews.

3 Different Models

There are actually 3 models available for Self Determination, but most agencies will offers 2.

Bill Tier Model – very similar to traditional services with regional centers. They choose the agencies they know and make their own suggestions.
Sole Employer Model – You choose your own agencies and personnel. The FMS responsibility is to collect the w-2 forms, calculate the tax withholdings, and send the paychecks. Consumer’s responsibility is to enter the GROSS rate, not the NET into the budget, since we pay the tax withholdings from the overall budget. The deduction is 14.8%. If you’d like to calculate that, you would have to say, “If you want $15 per hour, we will have to calculate 15*1.48 = 22.” $22 is then the gross rate entered into the budget.

The FMS will send you forms to complete, and set an appointment for your initial meeting.

We recommend that you ask for a zoom call and complete the forms together.
They will offer paper mail forms
they are amenable to digital processing for efficiency and disability accommodations.

Expand Your Network

Please join our email list (email us, list@doogri.org) to receive news, updates, call to action, and interact with other list members via email

Donate to our organization

Links for Navigation

Dr Henny’s Self Determination Peer Support for Consumers in California

San Diego SDRC Self Determination Orientation with Regional Center, California

The Politics of Self Determination and Regional Centers in California

Tag: Regional Center

Case Closure Investigation: Autistic Adults in California

Who we are: